The class clearly demonstrated the effect of a positive, supportive learning environment on learners. The up-beat energy presented by the tutor fostered engagement from her students. In future drama lessons I might teach I will take this positivity and open-mindedness. Drama is about allowing students to express their creativity and create positive relationships with their peers. This can lead on to improvement in the students communication skills, leadership and overall participation in classroom activities. 

 

In Primary Classrooms I have worked in previously, I have observed the implementation of readers theatre. In every class I have seen try readers theatre, all students are very excited to have the chance to participate and therefore engage with the lesson to a high standard. Through this weeks seminar, I have come to realise that, the benefits of readers theatre are not just focused on the engagement of the children but apply to wider development, such as improvements in reading ability, reading comprehension, and students overall attitude towards reading. 

 

In future classrooms I may work in, I could utilise readers theatre in literacy rotations to increase engagement, and foster positivity surrounding reading skills. Instead of using traditional, boring techniques, such as round-robin reading, students participating in readers theatre will be able to engage with the characters and the storyline on a deeper level. 

 

This seminar solidified my personal opinion that dance is a great space for students to express their feelings without fear of judgement. It is a fun-loving way to get involved with peers and have a good laugh. Through the two weeks of dance seminars, I have observed my peers become more connected with one another. Through collaboration and problem solving, regarding, choreography, timing and music interpretation, we have developed trust with one another. 

 

In my personal experience of Primary aged students being involved in dance, I have found that those students who lack confidence, through dance, build a sense of pride and belief in themselves. By the end of a dance season, parents will come and explain to me that their child has begun to socialise more with their peers and have built significant confidence in their ability to perform in front of others, whether that in dance, or just general communication skills in their daily life (e.g. public speaking, collaboration with others, etc).

I think the most significant benefit to dance education is the development of confidence. This can translate to all other education areas, because if a child feels confident enough to try, they are obviously going to be more engaged within the classroom. Dance demonstrates risk taking and problem solving skills essential for any modern day learner.